Gen. Paul Selva, left, speaks at the Air Force Association's 2013 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition. Selva has been nominated to head U.S. Transportation Command. (Airman 1st Class Aaron Stout/Air Force)

WASHINGTON — President Obama has nominated Air Force Gen. Paul Selva to be the next leader of U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), according to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Selva has been commander of Air Mobility Command since Nov. 2012. In that role, he has overseen the development of the KC-46A tanker replacement program and while navigating potential cuts to both personnel and equipment.

He previously spent time as vice commander for Pacific Air Forces, experience which will likely serve him well as the military rebalances towards the Pacific. He also spent time as the top military adviser for then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, considered the frontrunner for the 2016 presidential election.

“He is one of the most well-rounded general officers it has been my pleasure to meet and he is an ideal choice for that command,” said Mark Gunzinger, an analyst with the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments who served in a number of Pentagon roles. “He is one of the best.”

Selva will replace Gen. William Fraser III, the former head of Air Combat Command who took over TRANSCOM in Oct. 2011.

Hagel made the announcement during a Friday press conference that included announcements on a number of other appointees, including that of Bob Work as the next deputy secretary of defense.